Non-league basketball team’s project charms sports minister

A Lilongwe-based non-league basketball team Dzenza Bucks’ ambitious drive to renovate Dzenza Secondary School court has charmed Minister of Youth and Sports Ulemu Msungama, who has pledged to assist.

One of the team’s officials Rhodney Mlauzi, who doubles as a player, said in an interview that they intend to join the Central Zone Basketball League (Cezobal) once they are through with the project.

“Our team is based in Area 25 and we use the court for our training and matches. So, during one of our meetings, we hatched an idea to renovate the court which is in very poor condition.

“So, we approached the school’s headmaster who gave us the green light. So far, we have sourced rings and boards from owner of Bravehearts basketball teams Griffin Kalua and George Phiri and we are very thankful to them all,” he said.

Mlauzi said the project is estimated to cost between K450 000 and K500 000 and on their own, they have raised K120 000, including pledges through players and well-wishers’ contributions.

“We need about 50 bags of cement plus labour, but as for the clearing of the place, we are doing it ourselves.

“Apart from benefiting the school, us as a team and the Area 25 community, we feel this is in line with government’s plan to re-establish sports facilities in schools,” he said.

Mlauzi, therefore, appealed for support from well-wishers  “be it financial or material”.

In an interview on Thursday, Msungama said he is impressed with the initiative.

He said: “I am excited and I will visit the facility and see how I can assist. These boys have fascinated me. They have proved that where there is a will there is a way.

“The touching part is that they started the project on their own before seeking assistance elsewhere. I will visit them one of these days to appreciate the project and see how I can assist.”